Target type: cellularcomponent
A proteinaceous hair-like appendage on the surface of bacteria ranging from 2-8 nm in diameter. [GOC:pamgo_curators, PMID:28496159]
A pilus, also known as a fimbria, is a hair-like appendage found on the surface of many bacteria. It is composed of a protein subunit called pilin, which assembles into a helical structure. The pilus can be divided into several distinct cellular components:
* **Base:** The pilus base is embedded in the bacterial cell wall and membrane. It serves as an anchor for the pilus and is responsible for its assembly and disassembly. The base often includes a specialized protein called a pilus chaperone, which helps to fold and transport pilin subunits to the growing pilus tip.
* **Rod:** The pilus rod is the main structural component of the pilus. It is composed of multiple pilin subunits that are linked together in a helical arrangement. The rod can be quite long, extending several micrometers from the bacterial surface.
* **Tip:** The pilus tip is the distal end of the pilus. It can be modified with various proteins or other molecules that are involved in specific functions, such as adhesion to host cells or other surfaces.
* **Adhesin:** An adhesin is a protein or other molecule located at the pilus tip that is responsible for binding to specific receptors on the surface of other cells or surfaces. Adhesins are crucial for bacterial adhesion and colonization, playing a role in processes such as biofilm formation and infection.
* **Secretory apparatus:** In some cases, a pilus may also be associated with a secretory apparatus that allows for the transport of molecules, such as toxins, across the bacterial cell membrane. This apparatus may be located at the base of the pilus, or it may be integrated into the pilus structure itself.
The specific structure and composition of a pilus can vary depending on the bacterial species. However, the basic components and their functions described above are common to many different types of pili.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 fimbrin D-mannose specific adhesin | A type 1 fimbrin D-mannose specific adhesin that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P08191] | Escherichia coli K-12 |
| Type 1 fimbrin D-mannose specific adhesin | A type 1 fimbrin D-mannose specific adhesin that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P08191] | Escherichia coli K-12 |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| methyl mannoside, (alpha-d)-isomer | methyl alpha-D-mannoside : A methyl mannoside having alpha-configuration at the anomeric centre. methylmannoside: RN given refers to (D)-isomer; see also record for 3-O-methylmannose | alpha-D-mannoside; methyl mannoside | |
| fixb protein, e coli | alpha-D-mannose : D-Mannopyranose having alpha-configuration at the anomeric centre. alpha-D-mannoside : Any mannoside in which the anomeric centre has alpha-configuration. muscarinic toxin 2: muscarinic agonists from Dendroaspis angusticeps; amino acid sequence given in first source | D-mannopyranose | epitope |